Azkals can end losing streak
GROUP A
PHILIPPINES v INDONESIA
(Today, 5pm, My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi)
Ever since Indonesia turned independent, they have never lost to the Philippines.
According to Fifa's record books, Indonesia have beaten the Philippines 19 times and drawn twice, scoring a whopping 84 goals and conceding just 10 in the process.
The biggest win in AFF Suzuki Cup history was also recorded when Indonesia beat the Filipinos 13-1 in the group stage in 2002. But all that could end tonight.
The Azkals, who beat Laos 4-1 in their Group A opener, have improved by leaps and bounds since the influx of foreign-born players.
The Merah Putih, on the other hand, were unconvincing in their 2-2 draw with co-hosts Vietnam and required a fluke goal to grab a point.
They may run out of luck against the Philippines, who look superior.
- Take the Philippines to win
GROUP A
LAOS v VIETNAM
(Today, 8pm, My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi)
This is also another historically lop-sided affair, with Vietnam winning eight out of nine Fifa head-to-head meetings.
Laos have also failed to score in their last six meetings against Vietnam. I just don't see them breaking that duck tonight unless they get one from a set-piece, like how they scored against the Azkals.
The co-hosts cannot afford to drop any more points after the draw with Indonesia, and should come out all guns blazing to pacify a restless home crowd.
This should be just a matter of how many goals Vietnam can put past them. It could get ugly.
- Take Vietnam on 1X2 and 1/2 goal
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